COUNTERING

VIOLENT
EXTREMISM
A GUIDE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE BY YOUNG PEOPLE
EXTREMELY TOGETHER
The project Extremely Together is managed by the Kofi Annan Foundation with the support of
the European Commission, One Young World, and the Amersi Foundation. It brings together
exceptional young leaders to prevent violent extremism. In this Guide, ten young leaders pool
their experience for the benefit of young people who want to take action against violent
extremism of all kinds.

Acknowledgements and credits Copyright

Extremely Together would not have been The views expressed in this publication do
possible without the 10 Young Leaders, not necessarily represent the views of the
whose outstanding efforts and commitment Kofi Annan Foundation, One Young World,
have been crucial to its success. The Kofi the European Commission or the Amersi
Annan Foundation is also grateful for the Foundation, or their respective executive
support of the European Commission, One boards, governing bodies and/or member
Young World, and the Amersi Foundation. states.
The Foundation gratefully acknowledges
the stewarding of the project by Jonathan
Russell, and extends its thanks to each of the
institutions and individuals who contributed
to the consultations and deliberations that
took place while this guide was prepared.

Kofi Annan Foundation

P.O.B. 157 • 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
T +41 22 919 7520 • F +41 22 919 7529
info@kofiannanfoundation.org
 COUNTERING
VIOLENT
EXTREMISM
A GUIDE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE BY YOUNG PEOPLE
 2

FOREWORD BY KOFI ANNAN

The rise of violent extremism has become together to encourage, mobilise and inspire
a global challenge. Around the world, other young people to follow their lead.
groups or movements increasingly reject
Drawing on the resources and experiences of
the ties that bind all of us across religious,
these impressive leaders, this guide provides
national, racial, and class divides. Populist
recommendations and advice to assist their
and xenophobic movements are demonising
peers in responding to violent extremism and
migrants and other minorities in the name
becoming leaders in their own communities. It
of protecting their own identities, while
reminds us that mutual respect and tolerance
religious extremists are denying humanity
have to be fostered and passed on to each
not only to those of different faiths, but even
successive generation. It encourages us to
to those of their own faith who do not share
learn from each other, and to see the diversity
their convictions. Violent extremism has also
of our traditions and cultures as a source of
become a generational struggle. With more
harmony and strength that empowers us
than half the world’s population under 30,
all rather than a threat that undermines our
violent extremism counts a disproportionate
society. I hope the example and messages of
number of young people amongst its victims
the young leaders will inspire and encourage
or perpetrators.
others to work together against violent
It was to address such concerns and identify extremism and to make their voices heard.
‘Each of you possible solutions that in April 2016 the Kofi
I wish to thank our funding partners, the
Annan Foundation, with the support of the
is a potential European Commission and in partnership
European Commission and Mohamed Amersi
leader. To lead for their support and encouragement of this
with One Young World, established Extremely
initiative as well as our partner One Young
means to take Together, an initiative for young people led
World whose valuable contributions have
by young people. I firmly believe that young
responsibility ensured that the messages of Extremely
people are uniquely placed to contribute
and to set the to counter extremism efforts within their
Together reach young people over the world.

example. As I communities as role models, teachers, family You are never too young to lead, nor too
members, friends or mentors, and I have no old to learn, so I urge us all to join Extremely
often say: You
doubt as to their capacity to positively shape Together and unite for this common cause to
are never too the world they will inherit. build a safer, more peaceful world that is free
young to lead or Through Extremely Together, ten young
of divisive and fearful voices.
too old to act.’ activists from across the world, each with
Kofi Annan a track record of working with grassroots
Kirchentag speech communities and effectively challenging
2015 intolerance and extremist voices, have come Kofi Annan
 3

INTRODUCTION
Young people join violent extremist
groups far more frequently than other age
groups.1 However, this is no more a reliable
indicator of vulnerability to recruitment
than being male, Muslim, a petty criminal,
or having mental health problems. Violent
radicalisation occurs when grievances,
ideology, potent narratives and charismatic
recruiters collide. To tackle it, each of these
must be challenged as part of a full spectrum
approach.
Extremely Together considers youth to be
an opportunity not a threat. Its approach
to countering violent extremism (CVE)
mobilises the power of young people who
refuse to join violent extremist organisations
and refute the simplistic stories and divisive
values they promote.
We agree with the United Nations’ Action
Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism (2015),
which states that young people are
invaluable members of civil society who play
a critical role in the struggle against violent
extremism.2
In this Guide, ten young leaders share their
ideas across differences of nationality,
religion, gender, politics, and professional
background, in the hope of helping 1.8
billion young people to build a future, free
of violent extremism, that is rooted in shared
values and a commitment to cooperation
and tolerance.
Extremely Together hopes to inspire young
people around the world to make a positive
difference. We work together to help young
people in their struggles to resist extremism
of all kinds, promote peace and security
locally and regionally, and make their voices
heard in mainstream and social media.
The Guide names some of the elements that
underlie the problem of violent extremism,
highlights key areas of need that must be
addressed, and suggests practical actions
that every young person can take to protect
his or her friends and community and help
build a foundation for long term solutions.

1 Mia Chin, S. Gharaibeh et al (2016), ‘A National Strategic

Framework for Countering Violent Extremism in Jordan’,
Journal of International Affairs, Vol.69(2), pp.115-XIII.
2 United Nations (2015), Action Plan to Prevent Violent
Extremism, Report of the UN Secretary General, pp.17-
18. At: http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.
asp?symbol=A/70/674.
 4

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? ‘We must avoid In the last 15 years, violent
extremism has emerged
the trap set by as one of the biggest
extremists of threats to global peace and
limiting human security. The proliferation
of terrorist attacks since
beings to one 11 September 2001 and
identity. We all the rise of ISIS are only the
have multiple most visible manifestations
identities which of this threat.

enrich us as
individuals.’
Kofi Annan
Bali Democracy Forum 2016

The number of foreign terrorist fighters sharply
increased after the civil war in Syria started and
over 27,000 are believed to have joined ISIS
since 2011.3 Jihadist groups competing for
attention and prominence in the Middle East,
such as the Al-Nusra Front, were responsible
for violent attacks on Syrian security forces
and civilians.4 Anti-Muslim attacks rose by
326 per cent in the UK in 2015,5 a trend
mirrored across Europe. Violent extremists’
ability to communicate effectively, especially
through social media, became clear. ISIS used
encrypted messaging services to perpetrate
the Paris attacks6 and 90,000-200,000 pro-
ISIS messages were posted daily in 2015.7
Local conflicts, such as in the Philippines,
have continued to have a violent extremist
dimension, and lone actor terrorist attacks,
like that by Anders Breivik in Norway in 2011,
have inflicted thousands of casualties in the last
decade.8
3 A. Kirk (2016), ‘Iraq and Syria: How many foreign fighters
are fighting for Isil?’ The Telegraph [online], 24 March. At:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/03/29/iraq-and-
syria-how-many-foreign-fighters-are-fighting-for-isil/.
4 T. John (2016), ‘Everything you need to know about the
New Al-Nusra Front’, Time [online], 28 July. At: http://time.
com/4428696/nusra-front-syria-terror-al-qaeda/.
5 T. Jeory (2016), ‘UK entering “unchartered territory” of
Islamophobia after Brexit vote’, The Independent [online],
27 June. At: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/
home-news/brexit-muslim-racism-hate-crime-islamophobia-
eu-referendum-leave-latest-a7106326.html.
6 ‘How social media was key to Islamic State’s attacks on
Paris’, The Conversation [online], 17 November. At: https://
theconversation.com/how-social-media-was-key-to-islamic-
states-attacks-on-paris-50743.
7 ‘The Islamic State’s use of online social media’, Military
Cyber Affairs, 1(1). At: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/
mca/vol1/iss1/4.
8 Lone Actor Terrorism Literature Review. At: http://www.
strategicdialogue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/
Literature_Review.pdf.
5
In response, States have passed laws and
introduced security regulations that have
sharply curtailed freedoms in many societies.
The near-constant coverage of terrorism in
the media has had a profound impact on
social attitudes and cohesion. The return of
the far-right, seemingly in response to jihadism
but most often directed toward Muslim
communities, presents a further troubling
trend. Consideration of these three secondary
challenges must therefore be built into
approaches to tackle the primary threat posed
by violent extremists.
A rich literature describes the causes and nature
of violent extremism, and numerous policies
address it. Major disagreements remain but at
least four areas of consensus have emerged.
• It is essential to clearly uphold values when
tackling violent extremism of all kinds.
• Policies to counter violent extremism (CVE)
should adopt a full spectrum approach.
• We need to tackle acts of violence but also
the narratives of violent extremists, because
these are central to their ability to attract
new followers.
• It is vital to involve a wide variety of people
and professions in CVE work, because
governments can have only a limited impact
in some areas, and the best solutions are
often local ones.
Extremely Together builds on these four
areas of consensus. It affirms a strong set
of human rights values; tackles all forms of
violent extremism and confronts secondary
challenges that entrench them; recognises
that active communications make other
approaches more effective; and promotes
leadership by young people.
 66

WHAT’S NEEDED? ‘We can love

what we are,
without hating
what – and who
– we are not.’
Kofi Annan
2001 Nobel lecture

ARIZZA NOCUM
PHILIPPINES
Arizza Nocum runs KRIS, a non-profit
organisation that promotes peace
through education by building
libraries, providing scholarships,
and supplying educational materials
for communities in the Philippines
affected by conflict and terrorism.
The six KRIS libraries are centres
of peace for young Filipinos from
different backgrounds and religions.
KRIS has provided more than 400
scholarship grants and distributed
50,000 books and computers.
Arizza’s commitment to peace
is rooted in her multi-religious
upbringing as the daughter of a
Catholic father and Muslim mother.
She seeks to use carefully designed,
sustainable, educational and youth-
focused initiatives to expand public
tolerance and peace.
She is currently studying for
an engineering degree at the
University of the Philippines.

TACKLE GRIEVANCES AND INSTABILITY
It is tempting to believe that violent extremism
will gradually disappear if we can end national
and international conflicts. Unfortunately, this
is unlikely. Violent extremist organisations
thrive on and exploit grievances and instability
to advance their aims. Measures to prevent
violent extremism and the radicalisation of
young people will continue to be necessary.
Young people play a vital and irreplaceable
role in efforts to build social resilience, bring
societies together, generate prosperity
and employment, and resolve personal,
community and larger-scale conflicts and
grievances, many of which drive radicalisation.
We feel we have a duty to improve the world
we have inherited. We have been entrusted
with the future, and believe our efforts and
vision can recreate it.
Grievances
Local militant groups and transnational
radicalised networks like ISIS exploit grievances
and instability by saying that they alone bring
solutions. In societies shattered by conflict,
they attract recruits by offering income and
employment. In countries such as Iraq or
the Central African Republic, they exploit
religious tensions to divide society and attract
support. Most disturbingly, they have learned
to exploit grievances at a personal level: the
most sophisticated organisations tailor their
propaganda to the specific vulnerabilities of
those they approach.
7
Both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ factors attract young
people to violent extremism.9 Push factors
include religious, cultural, economic,
political, and ethnic grievances that influence
individuals and groups to commit acts of
terror or political violence. Pull factors include
the desire for money, power, adventure,
change, or sympathy for a particular political,
cultural or religious ideology. Grievances,
whether real or perceived, are insufficient
to turn radicalisation into violent extremism.
They must be framed by extremists in binary
narratives that fit personal feelings and
experiences into larger political frameworks.
Those who join violent extremist groups may
have widely differing motivations for doing so,
but may be united by a higher purpose (such
as building a caliphate in the case of ISIS).
PUSH AND PULL FACTORS
• Economic, political and • Influence of public or social
social marginalisation and media
discrimination • Attraction of extremist
• Failures of government narratives
• Corruption • Charismatic Ideologues
• Injustice • Personal identity crisis
• Experience of violence • Feelings of victimhood
• Lack of access to education
9 At: http://www.hedayah.ae/pdf/cn-se-asia.pdf.
8

Actions to counter radicalisation need to:

TAKE
ACTION
• Create conditions for peace and stability and
• Address the grievances of young people who
are on a path to radicalisation.

• Identify and understand grievances. The

first step in any effective CVE programme is to
identify and analyse the grievances and drivers that
encourage radicalisation.
•S
 eparate out actors and grievances. Different actors may
have different grievances.
• L ocalise solutions. The best solutions are anchored in local
communities. Consult and involve local practitioners and
beneficiaries when you design, plan, and implement solutions,
because local people understand the specific needs of their
communities.
•C
 reate networks of support. Even strong communities and actors
need networks of support. Multi-stakeholder networks can
complement local initiatives by providing resources, knowledge,
publicity, communications capacity, and complementary
approaches.
•E
 ngage debate and dialogue. Violent extremists are able to
manipulate grievances when these are not discussed. Talking
issues through, working together to find compromises and
other ways to solve problems, and debating with those
of different perspectives, generate better solutions than
violence.
•P
 rioritise young people. Young people can be attracted
to violent extremism and action by young people
is the best way to prevent it. Encourage young
people to take action; raising awareness may not
be enough on its own.

The most inspiring young public speaker
I ever met is a girl from a suspected Abu
Sayyaf hide-out area in the outskirts of
Zamboanga City. She was one of our first
scholars in KRIS Library.
On the day I first met her, we were
celebrating another successful year of our
scholarship program for children affected
by conflict. I had asked the scholars to
thank our donors, and she shyly raised her
hand. Shorter and quieter than most of
the other girls, she wore a bright white
hijab that distinguished her from the
crowd. As I handed her the microphone, I
worried for a moment that she might not
be able to get the audience’s attention.
She was suddenly transformed. Her first
words were loud, decisive, and clear. For
a 10-year old girl studying in one of the
most ill-equipped public schools in the
region, her flawless, articulate English and
sharp wit surprised us all. She thanked our
donors, remarked on the importance of
education, and said how her scholarship
will bring her closer to her dream of
becoming a lawyer and public servant.
In her speech, she even described her
idol, the late Philippine Senator Miriam
Defensor Santiago – an outspoken and
brave woman and admired politician.
9
A few months later, I heard about her
again, but this time it was not good news.
Her father had been killed in a shooting
incident allegedly involving the terrorist
organisation whose presence haunted her
town. In the same incident, her mother
had been shot and paralyzed from the
neck down. The motives were not clear
but – fearing for their lives – the children
had clearly decided to go into hiding.
We did our best to reach out to her. We
believed in her potential and knew we
had to make an effort so that it would
not go to waste. We confirmed her
scholarship, which guaranteed financial
assistance, school supplies, and free use
of KRIS Library’s facilities and computers,
but this time we realised she also needed
emotional support. When she resurfaced
from hiding, she enthusiastically went
back to school. Though she missed a few
months, she still managed to graduate at
the top of her batch. Now at university,
she holds on to the dream of becoming a
lawyer and public servant, and her fervour
is stronger than ever.
Her story is a common one in many areas
affected by conflict in the Philippines.
Often violence is met with violence, which
creates a cruel cycle where both sides
lose. Though the mission of KRIS Library
promises libraries, scholarships and other
forms of support to young people, what
we truly give is hope and courage. Hope
that a good future is possible. Courage to
break the cycle of violence and hatred.
10
JONAH OBAJEUN  growth has coexisted with protracted inter-
NIGERIA
Jonah Ayodele Obajeun founded
the Tolerance Academy, a flagship
project of the Youth Tolerance
for Peace Development Initiative
(YTFPDI).
He leads YTFPDI’s advocacy for
cross-cultural and cross-religious
approaches to peacebuilding,
promotes human rights-based
strategies for youth development
and political participation, and
participates in educational CVE
programmes.
He has a B.sc in chemical
engineering and a degree in
business administration.
PEACE AND TRUST
Violent extremism thrives when social trust
collapses. To prevent the radicalisation of
young people, it is therefore vital to promote
social cohesion and inclusion.
Social cohesion and inclusion
Economic development can promote social
cohesion, but does not always do so. In
Sri Lanka, Kenya and Nigeria, for example,
group conflict, partly because large-scale
infrastructural development has generated
new patterns of social exclusion. Unequal
or inequitable development can deepen
conflicts and grievances, especially among
young people.
Efforts to reinforce social cohesion and
inclusion therefore need to work across a
range of dimensions. Local and community
mechanisms are particularly important. They
provide vital avenues for cooperation.
Young people are redefining key elements of
social cohesion. For many, employment and
formal education are less important than
distance communication, travel in search of
better opportunities, and participation in peer
networks and social movements that offer
new forms of reciprocity and recognition.
 11

Cohesion and inclusion can be broken down into five main components.
Material conditions. The quality of employment, income, health, education and housing
are crucial elements of social cohesion, which is undermined by unemployment,
hardship, debt, anxiety, low self-esteem, ill-health, lack of skills and poor living
conditions. A society’s ability to meet the basic needs of its members is the foundation
of its resilience and an important indicator of social progress.
Social order. For people of all ages, including children and young people, security and
freedom from fear, as well as tolerance and respect for others, are hallmarks of stable
and harmonious societies.
Active social relationships. Positive relationships between individuals and communities
are another vital indicator. They increase mutual support and exchange of information,
and underpin trust.
Social inclusion. People like to feel included by mainstream institutions and civil society,
and to belong in their city or community, especially in societies that are diverse.
In urban and complex societies, the degree to which people trust and make use of
social institutions (schools, government agencies, the criminal justice system) strongly
influences public confidence.
Social equality. A society is not cohesive if its members have unfair or unequal access
to resources or opportunities, including income, health, quality of life, or future life
chances.
TAKE ACTION

The skills and assets of young

people put them in a uniquely
strong position to use information
and communication to neutralise
Promote
violent narratives and confront
violent extremism. They can • Positive
transfer knowledge and awareness, relationships.
identify desirable and undesirable
• Equal life chances
behaviour, encourage one another
for all.
to participate in activities that
build trust, draw in people who • Civic engagement
are isolated, and reframe negative and participation.
perceptions. • A shared vision
and values.
12
HAJER SHARIEF narratives. UN Security Council Resolution 2250
LIBYA
Hajer Sharief co-founded ‘Together
We Build It’ when she was 19. Since
September 2011 it has worked on
the democratic transition in Libya,
emphasising women and youth
participation in peacebuilding.
Hajer has long advocated for
women’s political participation
and the empowerment of women
and youth at the grassroots level.
She has called on Libyans to
implement UN Security Council
resolution 1325 on women peace
and security, and include women in
peace negotiations, security sector
reform and conflict prevention.
She provides CVE training to women
and youth.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Promoting respect for human rights is at the
heart of efforts to prevent radicalisation and
violent extremism.
Young people and human rights
Young people should be familiar with human
rights instruments because these can be used
to protect and defend people at risk, and their
norms challenge the logic of violent extremist
on youth, peace and security recognises the
role of youth in countering violent extremism.
It declares that young people are entitled to
participate in peace and security discussions in
their countries.
Indeed, young people are often better placed
than adults to prevent radicalisation, and
mediate between those who are radicalised
and the larger community, because they
know young people and can identify those at
risk, understand why some young people join
violent groups, and can influence both their
elders and those who radicalise.
Extremism is attractive to millennials because
it offers a simple, value-based narrative that
appears to answer their concerns about the
world. While counter arguments may unpick that
narrative, the best way to challenge extremism
is to present more powerful and attractive
values. The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and other UN human rights standards
provide widely agreed principles for preventing
injustice, discrimination, inequality, violence
and poverty. They address the grievances that
extremists exploit, and establish high standards
of conduct for those who counter them,
 13

Young people are naturally innovative. ‘Upholding human rights

TAKE ACTION

Youth-led organisations and networks is not merely compatible

have encouraged young people to
respect human rights. They have used
with a successful counter-
new online and offline methodologies terrorism strategy. It is an
to increase public awareness of essential element of it.’
human rights. They have monitored
the implementation of human rights Kofi Annan, launching a global strategy
against terrorism, Madrid, 2005.
in their communities, ensuring that
institutions are accountable and that
marginalised young people do not
suffer discrimination or abuse. They
have promoted inter-generational
dialogue and partnerships based on
human rights principles of justice
and equity.

It is up to our generation to
When women’s rights advocates argue that women rally behind human rights,
should participate in peace building and CVE, critics popularise them through
say: “But women don’t know anything about security our peer-to-peer networks,
issues”. Or perhaps: “if men can’t solve the problem, and respect them when we
then including women won’t change anything”. So oppose violent extremist
women and young girls are excluded. language and conduct.
However, a project of Together We Build It in All CVE approaches ought to
Libya recently proved them wrong. Called Peace be underpinned by human
and Security from Libyan women’s perspective, rights. Violent extremists
it reached out to women and young girls in often seek to deprive others
conservative local communities whose voices and of rights. By adopting a
security concerns are not often heard. Its online values-based approach to
quiz created a safe space in which women could CVE, we set moral standards,
share their concerns and personal stories. apply them to ourselves, and
reduce the likelihood that we
In less than three days, more than 1,000 women took
will do harm unintentionally.
the quiz. The women, from different age groups and
backgrounds, said what security means to them, described
their security priorities, and identified early symptoms of
violent extremism in their communities. This was invaluable
information for security stakeholders in Libya.
 14
14

WHAT I CAN DO? ‘We must stress

the basic values
that are common
to all religions:
compassion;
solidarity and
respect for the
human person.’ FATIMA ZAMAN
UK
Kofi Annan
Fatima is currently directing a
Speech at the Bali
multi‑agency effort to prevent
Democracy Forum, 2016
individuals from being drawn
into terrorism or support for
violent extremism through
PREVENT, a programme of the UK
Government’s counter terrorism
strategy.
She trains institutions and
communities in resilience and
in how to develop a robust
safeguarding framework for
tackling radicalisation, and advises
key stakeholders on countering
violent extremism, focusing on
the education sector and gender.
On the basis of her previous
policy work on CVE, terrorism
and faith, she strongly advocates
engagement and dialogue on
matters of faith and integration,
and is keenly interested in
alternative narratives that discredit
or disrupt extremist narratives.

EDUCATION AND CRITICAL THINKING
Making young people more aware through
TAKE ACTION
education and critical thinking is the first
defence against violent extremism. Education
should prepare young people for life in the
modern world; this means it should also equip
young people to identify and ultimately reject
online and offline extremist propaganda.
Education
Education should equip young people with
the skills they need to detect extremist
propaganda, make informed decisions, and
question the legitimacy of extremist content.
Education:
• Promotes dialogue by developing the ability
to think and discuss.
• Nurtures critical thinking, digital literacy,
and the skills required to challenge violent
extremist propaganda.
• Enables young people to question the
legitimacy and appeal of extremist beliefs.
• Builds confidence and increases emotional
intelligence.
• Cultivates resilience in the face of extremist
messages.
• Acts as a mass inoculation device.
• Creates global citizens by instilling a strong
sense of moral and civic duty.
15
Education is a form of primary prevention. To
counter violent extremism, it needs to be:
• Practitioner-led. Involve people who have de-
radicalised, as well as frontline workers such
as the police, prison officers, teachers, youth
workers, and religious leaders.
• Targeted and specific. Address the specific
factors that radicalise individuals, taking account
of gender, location and, of course, age.
• Proportionate to the risk identified. Recognise
the symptoms of violent extremism, avoid
discrimination against specific groups, protect
privacy to the extent possible, etc.
• Youth-led. Young people can build trust with
people their own age, and are in the best
position to support prevention and prevent
the radicalisation of their peers.
• Continue to use educational
resources as a primary tool to
prevent violent extremism.
• Empower educators to
understand and spot the signs
of emerging violent extremism.
• Incorporate nuanced, gender-
sensitive learning in primary
prevention initiatives.
• Recognise the key role of young
people in safeguarding other
vulnerable young people. 
16
NDUGWA HASSAN The world’s major faiths have developed
UGANDA
Ndugwa Hassan is programme
coordinator for the Uganda Muslim
Youth Development Forum, which
he co-founded in 2011.
The Forum runs youth leadership
camps and has trained over 700
Muslim youth leaders to counter
violent extremism through religious
engagement and ideological
refutation. Its youth radio
programmes have reached millions
of young Muslim and non-Muslim
listeners in Uganda. Hassan also
manages a volunteer programme
for imams as well as Teachers for
Peace, a well-known regional imam
exchange programme.
He holds a bachelor’s degree
in social science from Makerere
University and is currently
pursuing a Masters degree in local
governance and human rights in
Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi.
HOLD TO WHAT
I BELIEVE
Extremist organisations exploit religion to
attract new followers. In many cases, a narrow
and conservative religious interpretation
informs their ideology and organisational
structure.
Affirm religious values
profound commitments to tolerance and
peace. They advocate social justice and
restraint of ego and acquisitiveness, and place
a very high value on empathy, openness and
love for strangers, human dignity, unilateral
gestures of forgiveness and humility,
and reconciliation through interpersonal
repentance and assumption of responsibility.
Young people can draw on these values,
including the acceptance of other cultures
and religious beliefs, to reduce the spread
of violent extremism and resist extremist
religious narratives.
In short, religious values can discredit
violent religious propaganda. Respected
religious leaders who are prepared to take on
bigoted expressions of their faith can have a
considerable influence on public opinion; and
young people, who are especially targeted
by extremist groups, can do a great deal
to prevent the spread of violent religious
extremism if they hold to the core values
of their religion and learn how to discern
intolerant misreadings of religious teachings.

In this context, religious values are also a
TAKE ACTION
social and emotional resource. They can help
young people to overcome doubts and locate
a strong and generous vision of their role in
the world.
Women and young people are important
shapers of religious narratives that support
or oppose violence. Women have been
particularly effective peacebuilders, through
interfaith and inter-communal initiatives.
Efforts to promote peacebuilding and religious
tolerance should therefore mainstream both
groups, even if senior male religious leaders
are reluctant to do so. Such initiatives must
also address sexual violence, education, and
jobs, which are important to women and
young people as well as to the wider society.
To make sure they can speak freely, women
and young people may need to meet in their
own spaces.
‘To counter religious
radicalisation, reach out
to vulnerable people in
all types of institutions,
including schools,
universities, hospitals,
barracks and especially
prisons.’
Ndugwa Hassan
17
Our advice to religious leaders
• Reach out to youth. Speak to them in a language
they understand, mentor young faith leaders, and
embrace new forms of communication such as social
media.
• Create safe spaces for youth peer-learning initiatives.
• Develop a systematic and proactive approach to
peacebuilding. Cooperate with other faiths and
religious youth structures.
• Build moral authority in the community by
affirming non-sectarian objectives and mobilising
communities to support peace.
• Challenge religious narratives that advocate
intolerance and violence. Promote values of
reconciliation and tolerance even if you are
subjected to threats or ridicule.
Our advice to young people
• Think deeply about the values of your faith and
develop faith-based arguments and resources in
support of peace and tolerance.
• Make a conscious effort to understand and
appreciate the values and faiths of others.
• Encourage others to become peace builders. Get
involved in interfaith activities in your school or
community.
• Do not judge other faiths by the acts of individual
extremists.
• Compare and integrate the values of your faith with
human rights principles.
18

• Include young people who do not hold

religious beliefs. Atheists are very often not
included in religious initiatives for youth.
• Include followers of traditional religions.
Especially in Africa, they too are often ignored by
CVE initiatives.
• Bridge the generation gap by encouraging religious
leaders to engage with young people.
• Train young people to think critically and engage with
those of different opinions.
• Involve religious actors in efforts to debunk conspiracy
theories.
• Involve women religious leaders. Invite them to speak
about diversity, harmony, inclusion, mutual understanding,
respect, and tolerance, as well as about halting violent
extremism.
• Encourage and assist educational institutions to cease rote
learning.
• Teach religious scholars and educational institutions
how to use social media and other online platforms to
challenge violent extremism.
• Empower religious leaders who want to promote
religious views that are compatible with human
rights norms.
• Evaluate regularly the success of interfaith
initiatives.

MIMOUN BERRISSOUN towards radicalisation but are not yet involved
GERMANY
A social activist of Moroccan origin,
Mimoun Berrissoun coordinates
180° Wende (180° Turn), an NGO
that helps young people turn their
lives around and prevents youth
crime and radicalisation using peer-
to-peer networking.
Its services include counselling,
school programmes to counter
antisemitism and islamophobia, and
training courses run in cooperation
with city councils and the police.
Mimoun also developed the Hikmah
Concept, which creates positive
narratives through story-telling,
and a jail project to counter violent
extremism among prisoners with
migrant backgrounds.
He studied social science at the
University of Cologne.
19
ACT EFFECTIVELY
A mother calls your organisation or youth
group because she is afraid that her son is 180° Wende
about to travel abroad to join an extremist came across
organisation. Your friend starts to spend his Mustafa on the
nights consuming extremist media on the German subway.
internet. What can you do? He was invited
to participate in
Targeted interventions counselling groups
and when he
Intervening to help people who are on a path
met other young
people with similar
in violent attacks is an important dimension
problems he realised
of CVE. Interventions can prevent individuals
he was not alone.
from joining dangerous groups and doing
Older coaches
harm to themselves or others. They are most
helped him prepare
likely to succeed when they occur early and
a CV that he used
involve friends, parents or relatives who are
for job applications.
close to the person at risk.
At his request, 180°
Where possible, train interveners. Trainings Wende helped him
should tell interveners what they need to to obtain his high
know, how to proceed, and what to avoid. school diploma
It is often effective to discuss examples of and complete a
successful intervention. technical training
course. Today,
What do interveners need to know? First,
many kinds of people become radicalised and Mustafa is pursuing
it is vital to understand the personality and his education and
situation of those at risk as well as the depth helps other young
of their engagement. Are they sympathisers, people in the
followers, or hardcore supporters? network.
 20

Second, why are they attracted to the extreme Interventions must be carefully managed,
A programme in movement in question? Motives are numerous: because inappropriate approaches may push
Tajikistan teaches broken family relationships, solitude, low self- young people further towards radicalisation.
mothers to combat confidence, lack of direction, experience of In the worst cases, those at risk may cut their
radicalisation in marginalisation or discrimination, or having ties with friends and family, making it almost
their families. The friends who are radicalised. impossible to assist them or even stay in
Mothers’ School contact.
Model trains
mothers to identify
and respond to
early signs of
radicalisation.

• Remember that the person you want to deter from

radicalisation is a victim, not the guilty party. Show
empathy and sympathy while remaining clear about what is
right and wrong.
• Make sure that your intervention strategy fits the profile of the
beneficiary, and addresses his or her motives for radicalisation.
• Communication is crucial. Be humble; talk at the same level; be
careful of the language you use.
• Offer exit strategies, different world views, alternative activities.
• Oppose every form of violent extremism. Treat all people equally.
Young people who are radicalised are highly sensitive to injustice,
even if they only talk about it when they are treated unjustly.
• Never include extremists as partners in your intervention work.
• Analyse the situation in your area. Can you identify unjust or
discriminatory conditions that are creating hatred or grievances?
• Try to develop a reputation for integrity and credibility in your
community. Build strong contacts with its key members.
• Participate in support networks. Encourage people at risk to do
the same, because networks are stabilizing and help to prevent
backsliding. Prepare a list or database of institutions that
can help you work effectively with young people at risk.
Meet with interveners or NGOs in your country who have
professional experience of intervening.

BJØRN IHLER
NORWAY
Bjørn Ihler is an activist, writer,
designer and filmmaker. He is
interested in the influence that
narratives and storytelling have
on our societies and how, by
transforming our narratives, we can
create more peaceful societies. His
work is influenced by his experience
as a survivor of the attack on Utøya
Island in Norway in July 2011.
He uses conflict dynamics, peace
work and interdisciplinary research
to identify intervention points that
can effectively counter and prevent
violent extremism.  equipment we can use to influence those
He has a degree in theatre and
performance design and technology
from the Liverpool Institute for
Performing Arts.
21
MAKE MY VOICE
HEARD
The stories we hear shape who we are. The
emergence of mass media (cinema, radio,
newspapers, photography) made it possible
to influence ideas on a broad scale. The
advent of the internet and social media
further accelerated that process. Violent
extremist movements exploit the power of
modern communications to spread their
ideas. Whether they are ideologically on the
far right, the far left, or root themselves in
religion, they affirm an ideal and simplistic
message, uncluttered by doubt. In this sense,
violent extremism is a denial of diversity
and complexity. Those who oppose violent
extremism must therefore also communicate,
to restore diversity and affirm the complex
nature of knowledge and the richness of the
world we share.
Counterspeech
Young people are targeted every day by
violent extremists, directly and through
mainstream media. We are targets, but also
communicators. We each walk around with
at risk and say no to hate, division, racism,
supremacy and discrimination. In this respect,
we literally hold in our hands the power to do
good.
22

Counter-extremism approaches tend to extremist propaganda but as processes that

condemn extremists and show sympathy to
those vulnerable to radicalisation. They less
often analyse the components of extremist
thinking: its radical narratives, grievances
and ideology. Yet it is in these spaces that a
counter-narrative must intervene.
When counter-narratives condemn extremist
narratives, they in effect recognise them.
Alternative narratives are much more
powerful. They set a different agenda and lead
their audience to different values and ideas.
They promote liberal values and diversity,
highlight common ground that all religions
share with human rights, endorse the rule of
law, and advocate practical ways to remove
grievances, respond to suffering, protect
minorities from discrimination, etc.
Whether counter-narratives offer a positive
alternative to extremist propaganda or
deconstruct or delegitimise extremist narratives,
think of them not as one-off reactions to
TAKE ACTION
influence the ideas of an audience over time.
Counter-narrative campaigns can take many
forms and reach many audiences. To be
successful, you will need to understand how
extremist groups work, the grievances they
address, what internal structures support their
narratives, and what attracts your audience
to them. Remember that extremist narratives
that appear absurd still have power over
those they influence; arguments that directly
contradict them are likely to be dismissed
as lies. Counter-narratives need to reshape
extremist visions of reality. To do that you have
to try to understand the emotional, physical
and psychological needs of those to whom
the stories appeal. A successful campaign
should make clear:
• Its goals and objectives.
• Who it wants to reach.
• The outcome it seeks.

Ask whether you want to

• Plant a seed of doubt, disturbing the house of cards built by an extremist narrative?
• Discourage those who are on the brink from joining an extremist group?
• Introduce a new view of the world that is more attractive than extremist ideologies?
• Reach those who are under the influence of violent movements and encourage
them to defect?
The answers to these questions will determine the shape of your campaign. In many
cases, you will need to research the extremist narratives you wish to counter as well as
your target audiences.
 23

All Together Now combats racism and promotes cultural diversity in Australia. Its
Everyday Racism mobile phone app challenges players to live for a week the life of a
member of an Australian minority group – an Aboriginal man, a Muslim woman, an
Indian student. Participants receive texts, tweets, images and videos that challenge
assumptions about race and motivate them to speak up against racism.

We recommend a five-step process

1. U
 nderstand your audience. Think
of them as individuals. Speak a
language that resonates with them.
2. D
 efine a form and establish a
platform. This enables you to reach
your audience.
3. D
 evelop content.
4. U
 nderstand the dynamics of your
narrative: your impact depends
on this.
5. E
 valuate. Measure the effects
of your work.
 24
24

TOWARDS SOLUTIONS ‘Young people

should be at
the forefront of
global change
and innovation.
Empowered, they
can be key agents
for development ILWAD ELMAN
SOMALIA
and peace.’  Ilwad Elman is Director of
Kofi Annan Programmes and Development
at the Elman Peace and Human
Rights Centre in Somalia. The
Centre’s programmes focus on
human rights, gender justice,
protection of civilians, CVE, and
peacebuilding across Somalia and
the Horn and East Africa region.
She is interested in how women
propagate and counter violent
extremism as well as the gendered
impact of CVE strategies on
women’s lives. She believes that
policy makers who involve and
empower women in CVE initiatives
must understand the various roles
that women play, including the
motives that attract some women
to violent extremism.
Ilwad chairs and participates in
several bodies working on gender
based violence in Somalia and
beyond.

HEAL TOGETHER
It is essential to rehabilitate and reintegrate
violent extremists or terrorist fighters who
return from abroad. To do so, we can borrow
from Disarmament, Demobilisation and
Reintegration (DDR) procedures that UN
agencies, governments, and civil society have
developed for combatants who surrender or
are captured in war.
Disengagement, deradicalisation,
rehabilitation
Traditional DDR assists ex-combatants
to rebuild their livelihoods and support
networks at the end of conflicts. Returning
violent extremists face a similarly difficult
transition. Disengagement, deradicalisation
and rehabilitation programmes (D2R) can assist
former extremists to rebuild trust, reintegrate
with family and friends, and recover economic
and personal security.
The political grievances of ex-combatants
do not simply dissipate when they disarm
or return. Left alone, many will continue to
sympathise with the cause they joined, even
if they cease to be violent. Programmes that
address why they engaged in violent behaviour
are therefore essential.
25
Like traditional DDR, D2R programmes focus
on the needs of combatants who have
demobilised or surrendered, taking into
account their longer term socio-economic
integration as well as the security concerns
they may create. Both also assist combatants
to rejoin civilian life. Their goal is to prevent
the recurrence of violence and promote the
reintegration of former combatants into
society.
A youth-led peer-to-peer approach to D2R
can be especially effective because so many
extremist fighters are young. At the same time,
it requires resources and expertise. Those
who undertake D2R need to recognise that
it is a complex process and should prepare
accordingly.
26

The Elman Peace Centre’s Drop the Gun, Pick Up the Pen (EPHRC) successfully disarmed,
rehabilitated and reintegrated thousands of young women and men co-opted into clan
militias by warlords, enabling them to peacefully rejoin their communities and enjoy
alternative livelihoods. Decades later, conflict in Somalia continues to rage and young
Somalis are being co-opted by new hybrid armed actors and the transnational network of
Al-Shabaab. EPHRC responded by designing a community-based approach to D2R for Al-
Shabaab combatants that takes account of the highly asymmetrical nature of Somalia’s
conflict and is potentially relevant to conflicts elsewhere.
The Elman Peace Approach meets DDR standards and is consistent with the principles
and standards of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), international
humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law. The Approach:
1. Provides individual support to disengaged combatants in interim care centres.
Services include psychosocial care, vocational training, and training in life skills.
2. Uses focused advocacy to build the awareness of communities, government and
security actors.
3. Strengthens the capacity and commitment of communities to prevent recruitment
and radicalisation.
The programme operates in areas of continuing conflict where control over communities
may shift frequently between the Federal Republic of Somalia and Al-Shabaab, as well
as areas that are now calm. Working with ex-combatants, ‘active’ combatants and ‘at
risk’ populations, EPHRC has rescued child soldiers, kept communities affected by violent
extremism together, and helped thousands of disillusioned young Somalis who want
to stop fighting but are unable to see any opportunities outside if they do. To these
young people, EPHRC offers practical life skills, religious literacy, vocational training,
psychosocial support, peer-to-peer mentorship, training in business and financial skills,
and startup grants.
 27

Practical questions you should ask:

TAKE ACTION

• Has research been done that will help you understand the context in which you
are working?
• Has research been done that will help you design your programme or measure its
impact?
• Can you obtain all the information you need about the those who are returning
to their countries?
• What is their current commitment to violent extremism? Are they dangerous,
disenfranchised, disturbed or something else?
• Can you obtain the information you need about the resources available to assist
them to reintegrate?
• Do you know enough about the societies that will receive them, their institutional
capacity, and the laws that are relevant to returning combatants?

When preparing a D2R

programme, consider
• Outcomes. What desirable and
undesirable outcomes will the
programme’s interventions
generate?
• Mechanisms. Which elements
of the interventions will secure
desirable outcomes?
• Context. What contextual
factors will influence the
impact of interventions?
28
SYED ALI ABBAS ZAIDI
PAKISTAN
Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi is an
aeronautical engineer who, as an
activist, challenges the complex
religious, economic and social
divisions that threaten Pakistan.
He has set up three foundations
dedicated to tackling violent
extremism: the Pakistan Youth
Alliance, Khudi Pakistan, and
HIVE. Each engages with a
different section of society.
WORK TOGETHER
Young people join together in associations
and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
for many reasons, but above all to give
themselves support and add strength to
their efforts to achieve shared objectives.
These are vital dimensions of youth-led
efforts to prevent radicalisation, resist the
spread of false and intolerant ideas, and help
young people who have been radicalised to
reintegrate successfully and peacefully in their
societies. It is critically important to create
and strengthen civil society organisations that
do these things.
Build the capacity of civil society
Extremist movements all over the world seek to
recruit members of civil society organisations
because they are so dynamic. To extend their
influence, acquire moral credibility, and gain
supporters, extremist movements create
and support voluntary associations, and
often give them money. Equally, of course,
they condemn, attack and try to destroy
independent associations that criticise their
extremist values, politics or conduct.

To survive and play their role as catalysts of
TAKE ACTION
change and defenders of justice, civil society
organisations must remain independent,
trusted by the public, and organisationally
sound. Community mobilisation is particularly
critical, because extremist thinking can be
stopped only when the public in general
oppose it. In addition, without public support,
civil society organisations are vulnerable to
physical attacks and efforts to discredit them
by extremist organisations or governments.
Activism can take any number of forms, from
community organising to parliamentary
advocacy and passive resistance. What matter
are its integrity and its relevance. Young
activists who work together with many others
have more credibility and a stronger voice.
They can also protect themselves better
against intimidation and violence.
Project Exit creates networks of support
for parents in Norway whose children
join racist or violent groups. It also
helps young people to disengage from
such groups and provides advice to
professionals working with young people.
Set up by the Norwegian government,
the project collaborates with parents,
social services, police, teachers and local
youth workers.
29
Through civil society associations, young people can:
• Lead development programmes that address
grievances by delivering services to communities.
• Engage with and create partnerships with local and
national governments, the international community,
and the private sector.
• Engage with policymakers, and pressure them to
address violent extremism holistically.
• Participate in conflict mediation and peace advocacy.
• Highlight the rights and needs of disenfranchised
groups.
• Counter extremist ideas using mainstream media,
social media and digital platforms.
• Promote cultural events that celebrate pluralism,
tolerance, and inter-faith values.
• Give a voice to victims and survivors of extremist
violence.
• Obtain training on sensitivity and operational security
to mitigate the risks of working in CVE.
• Hold law enforcement and official authorities
accountable, including for their human rights
conduct and their policies on violent extremism.
• Research violent extremism and develop new
approaches to assist organisations working in the
field.
The value of civil society organisations is recognised by
international actors, who understand that they often
have the trust of key audiences that international
agencies and NGOs cannot reach.
Private sector organisations may also sponsor youth
volunteer efforts, offer in kind contributions (such as
computers and software licenses), technical support, or
other forms of support.
30

• Work together. Collaborate in every

dimension because violent extremism can
only be challenged effectively by strong,
multi-generational and inter-sectoral
collaboration.
• Innovate. Extremist organisations frequently
change their approach and propaganda. You
must be at least as innovative if you want
to attract young people away from violent
extremism.
• Contextualise. In some countries you can
lobby publicly against extremist ideas but in
others you cannot. Set your strategy after
analysing your society and political system.
• Empower through technology. Initiatives to
counter violent extremism should make good
use of technology. Violent extremists use
online communication to recruit,
spread their ideas, and connect their
sympathisers: we need to use
technology just as effectively
to oppose them.

ZAID AL RAYES Extremists are skilled at adapting their
SYRIA
Zaid Al Rayes is the founder and
CEO of the Al Rayes Group which
has created more than 500 new
jobs for young people. The group
organises cultural events and
workshops to promote dialogue
among Arab youth, oppose
extremist ideas, and help Syrian
refugees.
Believing that ideas can only be
changed by other ideas, not by
force, Zaid promotes initiatives
that protect young people from
extreme ideas through peer-to-peer
negotiation and discussions, and
the provision of better economic
opportunities.
He holds a degree in mechanical
engineering from The American
University of Sharjah, where he
has been a teaching and research
assistant since 2013.
31
REINVENT THE
FUTURE
Previous chapters have highlighted the special
contributions that young people can make
because of their ability to work together and
innovate.
Social and entrepreneurial
innovation
propaganda and recruitment activities
to sidestep legislation, surveillance, and
prosecution. Young people who work to
counter violent extremism must innovate as
imaginatively, making full use of their ability
to employ social media creatively. As we have
seen, the challenge is not just to oppose violent
extremism but to develop better alternatives
for people who are drawn to radical
propaganda. This is where social innovation
meets entrepreneurship: together they can
create new spaces for promoting integration,
tolerance, inclusion and prosperity.
Children and young people are typically
viewed only as victims of conflict. However,
recent research has shown that children and
young people who are recruited by armed
groups and exposed to violence often become
more active politically. Ex-combatants can
be agents of positive social change who can
assist households and communities to respond
resiliently after war and violence.
32

In regions that have experienced conflict, it Multi-stakeholder collaboration is an important

is particularly necessary to create livelihoods. dimension of CVE. It works when the public
Employment provides young people with sector and business community trust one
much more than an income: it gives status, another, and there is active engagement
and offers young people the chance to be with civil society. Young people must push for
independent, to marry, to travel and learn improved communication between all three
new skills, and build their future. Young sectors.
entrepreneurs who create new economic
Every technology can be exploited by violent
activities and decent jobs therefore play a
extremists as well as by those who promote
critical role. They simultaneously inspire hope,
tolerance. The Internet creates opportunities
promote stability, reduce aid dependency,
for everyone to prosper economically. It was
and generate economic development.
developed as a tool to share and collect
Overall, one third of the world’s 1.8 billion
information, foster democratic participation,
young people are unemployed, educating
and promote development. Yet it has also
themselves or training. One billion young
been used by violent extremists to spread their
adults will enter the job market in the next
propaganda. CVE activists must use technology
decade, but only 40 per cent of the jobs they
innovatively to prevent radicalisation and
need already exist. This indicates the scale of
terrorism.
the task that confronts the next generation of
social and economic entrepreneurs. While the most successful CVE solutions are
often local and targeted, we can always
learn from best practice. Some of the best
forms of innovation have adapted successful
Giving one Syrian a job can benefit a whole family. Zaid
initiatives from a different context. Increasing
met Halid in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, where he was
communication and collaboration across
living with 23 members of his family. He had lost a sister
borders is essential if we are to counter violent
and a brother in the war and was tempted to join jihadists
extremism more effectively.
to fight the Al Assad regime. When Halid found a job in
Dubai as an assistant chef, however, he could provide for
his family and his niece could go back to school. “When
people are in extreme poverty, not allowed to work, and
have no source of funds, they turn to violent extremism as
it provides a future,” Zaid said. “To counter this, we need
to show people that they have a future and will be able to
provide for themselves and the family, elsewhere.”

WHAT I CAN DO
‘Any improvement you can make
in your local community, no
matter how small it may seem,
is valuable.’
Kofi Annan, One Young World, 2016
Violent extremism threatens us all, but young
people are uniquely placed to counter its
terrible appeal and create an inclusive vision
of the future.
Across the world, much excellent work is
already being done. It demonstrates
that violent extremism can be
countered in many ways – by
addressing the root causes
of violent extremism, by
recognising and preventing
radicalisation, and by
working to strengthen
civil society.
Every young person
can find some way to
make a contribution.
This Guide can help
you to get started.
33
If you want to learn more about CVE, have a look at
the additional resources we have listed at the end of
the Guide.
To hear more from the ten young leaders profiled
in the Guide, watch their videos at
www.ExtremelyTogether-TheGuide.org
To learn more about the Extremely Together project,
see www.kofiannanfoundation.org/extremely-together
• Young people should be perceived as leaders
in countering violent extremism – rather than
extremists, victims of violent extremism, or
beneficiaries of CVE programmes. To do this, we must
start leading in all CVE domains. Young people bring
unique knowledge and insight, and are often more
credible and accessible to their peers than others.
Don’t sit back and complain about not being listened
to: get involved in CVE work and make a difference.
• All CVE approaches should be guided by certain
principles: deep commitment to human rights;
respect for community and regional dynamics;
intelligent use of communications and technology
to improve targeting, reach, and evaluation; and
willingness to adopt successful approaches from
elsewhere. If these are in place, young people should
be free to collaborate and innovate.
• Remember that CVE requires a spectrum of
approaches and that effective work is unlikely to focus
on only one issue. Some of the best CVE does not
tackle violent extremism head on but works through
education, community cohesion, and promotion of
alternative narratives. Understand the work of others
and support your peers. This will help to build a more
powerful movement for positive change.
34
KEY INTERNATIONAL TEXTS
United Nations Security Council
Resolution 2250
In 2015 world leaders formally recognised for
the first time the contributions young people
make to CVE. The resolution “encourages
Member States to engage relevant local
communities and non-governmental actors in
developing strategies to counter the violent
extremist narrative that can incite terrorist
acts, address the conditions conducive to
the spread of violent extremism, which
can be conducive to terrorism, including
by empowering youth, families, women,
religious, cultural and education leaders, and
all other concerned groups of civil society
and adopt tailored approaches to countering
recruitment to this kind of violent extremism
and promoting social inclusion and cohesion”.
It advocates:
• Participation. Young people should
participate in decision-making at all levels.
• Protection. Civilians require protection
from all forms of gender-based and sexual
violence.
• Prevention. All actors should create
mechanisms to promote a culture of peace
and discourage young people from acting
violently.
• Partnerships. States should partner with
relevant actors to ensure that young people
can participate in peacebuilding activities,
and involve local communities in efforts to
counter violent extremism.
• Disengagement and reintegration. States
should involve young people in their DDR
programmes.
Security Council Resolution 1325
Adopted in 2000, this landmark resolution
addresses the role of women in conflict,
the impact of conflict on women’s lives
and security, and women’s participation in
peacebuilding. Many elements of Resolution
2250 borrowed from it.
UN Plan of Action to Prevent
Violent Extremism (PVE)
Maps how different stakeholders can engage
in efforts to prevent violent extremism. It calls
on states and other organisations to support
women, girls and youth in their efforts to
prevent violent extremism by including them
in decision making at all levels.
The UN Sustainable Development
Goals, especially the Youth Goal.
The Youth Goal states: The SDGs acknowledge
the importance of addressing challenges
facing young people and of empowering them
to ensure the effective implementation of the
SDGs. See for example Goal 4: Ensure inclusive
and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Goal
8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
economic growth, full and productive
employment and decent work for all.
The Amman Youth Declaration
11,000 young people contributed to this
policy framework for young people working to
resolve conflicts, counter violent extremism,
and promote peace. The declaration also
addresses gender equality and socioeconomic
empowerment.
 35

USEFUL RESOURCES
NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

UK Department for Social cohesion, A UK government study of youth and https://www.gov.uk/

Education integration and community cohesion. government/uploads/system/
peacebuilding. uploads/attachment_data/
file/181542/DFE-RR033.pdf

Margaret Williams Social cohesion, A research paper on the importance https://jia.sipa.columbia.edu/

integration and of inclusive environments in youth-led youth-peace-security-new-
peacebuilding. peacebuilding. agenda-middle-east-north-
africa

Zenaida Ravanera, Social cohesion, A discussion paper on youth http://citeseerx.ist.psu.

Rajulton Fernando integration and integration in relation to social edu/ viewdoc/ download?
et al peacebuilding. cohesion and social capital. doi=10.1.1.945.3146 &rep=
rep1&type=pdf

UNESCO Social cohesion, A full-spectrum framework for building http://unesdoc.unesco.org/

integration and peacebuilding skills among youth. images/ 0023/002341/
peacebuilding. 234140e.pdf

USAID Social cohesion, Youth engagement in development: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_

integration and effective approaches and action- docs/PA00JP6S.pdf
peacebuilding. oriented recommendations for the
field

Women’s Social cohesion, An international NGO that brings http://wilpf.org/wilpf/who-

International integration and together women from around the we-are
League for Peace peacebuilding. world to work for peace and justice by
and Freedom non-violent means.
(WILPF)

Pakistan Youth Social cohesion, A youth-led NGO that works on http://www.pya.org.pk

Alliance integration and counter violent extremism, peace-
peacebuilding. building, conflict resolution, and the
social welfare of the under-privileged.

YTFPDI – Tolerance Social cohesion, A mobile peace-building academy that http://tolerance-academy.org/

Academy integration and gives young people tools and skills to home
peacebuilding. propagate messages of peace.
36

NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

The United Nations Upholding universal A report on how to promote human http://www.statewatch.org/
General Assembly human rights. rights while countering terrorism and news/2015/oct/un-special-
violent extremism. rapporateur-hr-civil-society-ct-
report-10-2015.pdf

Human Rights First Upholding universal A compilation on how human rights http://www.humanrightsfirst.
human rights. can be used to counter violent org/sites/default/files/Human-
extremism. Rights-CVE-compilation.pdf

Right2Debate Upholding universal A student-led initiative to counter http://www.right2debate.org

human rights. violent extremism by encouraging
open debate.

Youth for Human Upholding universal An initiative to educate youth about http://www.
Rights human rights. human rights. youthforhumanrights.org/
about-us.html

Sister Somalia and Upholding universal A Somalia-based NGO that supports http://www.sistersomalia.org
Elman Peace and human rights. victims of gender-based violence and
Human Rights vulnerable members of society.
Center

Connect Futures Education and primary Teaches critical thinking and debating http://connectfutures.org/
prevention. skills to prevent violent extremism. can-education-prevent-violent-
extremism

Institute for Education and primary The findings of a conference on the http://www.strategicdialogue.
Strategic Dialogue prevention. role of education in countering violent org/countering-extremism-
(ISD) extremism and building resilience. and-building-resilience-
through-education

Radicalisation Education and primary A manifesto setting out what http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/

Awareness Network prevention. education can do to counter violent home-affairs/what-we-do/
(RAN) extremism. networks/ radicalisation_
awareness_network/docs/
manifesto-for-education-
empowering-educators-and-
schools_en.pdf

KRIS Library Education and primary A Philippine project that builds http://www.krislibrary.com

prevention. libraries and promotes interfaith
initiatives to counter violent
extremism.
 37

NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

Mark Brennan, Pat Civil society capacity A UNESCO White Paper on how to https://www.
Dolan et al. building and activism. promote youth input into government quilliamfoundation.org/
efforts to counter violent extremism. wp/wp-content/uploads/
publications/free/white-paper-
youth-led-pathways-from-
extremism.pdf

Anne Aly, Anne- Civil society capacity A study of how civil society can http://www.tandfonline.com/
Marie Balbi et al. building and activism. fulfil its role in countering violent doi/ abs/10.1080/18335330.
extremism. 2015. 1028772?journal
Code=rpic20

International Civil society capacity An 18-month project to counter the https://icct.nl/update/cve-

Centre for Counter- building and activism. appeal of terrorism in Nigeria and and-community-resilience-in-
Terrorism (ICCT) build community resilience. nigeria

Africa Centre for Civil society capacity Recommendations of a workshop on http://africacenter.org/wp-

Strategic Studies building and activism. preventing youth radicalisation in East content/uploads/2016/01/
Africa. Preventing-Youth-
Radicalization-in-East-Africa-
Program-Summary-ACSS.pdf

Families Against Civil society capacity A global civil society-led initiative to http://www.findfate.org/en/
Terrorism and building and activism. counter violent extremism. home
Extremism (FATE)

RAND Religious engagement, A study of the role of ideology in http://www.rand.org/

ideological refutation disengagement and deradicalisation. content/dam/rand/pubs/
and interfaith action. monographs/2010/RAND_
MG1053.sum.pdf

Andrew Silke Religious engagement, A psychological study of jihadi http://archives.cerium.ca/

ideological refutation radicalisation. IMG/pdf/ SILKE_2008_Holy_
and interfaith action. Warriors_-_Exploring_the_
psychological_Processes_of_
Jihadi_Radicalization.pdf

Youth Justice Board Religious engagement, Collates information on interventions https://www.gov.uk/

for England and ideological refutation to prevent religious radicalisation and government/uploads/system/
Wales and interfaith action. violent extremism. uploads/attachment_data/
file/396030/preventing-
violent-extremism-systematic-
review.pdf
38

NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

Uganda Muslim Religious engagement, A nonpartisan, youth-led and faith- http://umydf.org

Youth Development ideological refutation based development organisation that
Forum and interfaith action. promotes dialogue and development.

#MyIslam Religious engagement, A theological initiative to refute http://www.

ideological refutation extremist interpretations of Islam. quilliamfoundation.org/blog/
and interfaith action. quilliams-theology-team-
launches-myislam-campaign

#NotinMyName Religious engagement, A project led by British Muslims to http://isisnotinmyname.com

ideological refutation denounce ISIS and refute its ideology
and interfaith action. and narratives.

The Channel Targeted intervention. A best practice referral programme to https://www.gov.uk/

Programme disrupt radicalisation processes. government/uploads/system/
uploads/attachment_data/
file/425189/Channel_Duty_
Guidance_April_2015.pdf

Hayat Germany Targeted intervention. A German counselling programme http://hayat-deutschland.de/

for persons involved in radical Salafist english
groups.

180° Wende Targeted intervention. A Cologne-based initiative that http://180gradwende.de/

intervenes to prevent violent de_DE
extremism and radicalisation.

Quilliam Online and offline A strategic briefing on how to develop https://www.

communications effective counter-narratives. quilliamfoundation.org/
solutions. wp/wp-content/uploads/
publications/free/countering-
islamist-extremist-narratives.pdf

Institute for Online and offline A handbook on how to plan, create http://www.strategicdialogue.
Strategic Dialogue communications and run counter-narrative campaigns. org/wp-content/
solutions. uploads/2016/06/ Counter-
narrative-Handbook_1.pdf

Hedayah Online and offline A guide on how to counter extremist http://www.hedayahcenter.

communications narratives in South East Asia. org/activites/80/
solutions. activities/511/2016/622/
launch-of-the-counter-
narratives-in-south-east-asia-
how-to-guide
 39

NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

#NotAnotherBrother Online and offline A crowd-funded counter-narrative https://www.youtube.com/

communications campaign to prevent youth from watch?v=IjIQ0ctzyZE
solutions. joining ISIS.

International Centre Addressing grievances A study of what drives recruitment and http://icsr.info/2008/10/
for the Study of and instability. mobilisation of Islamist extremists in recruitment-and-mobilisation-
Radicalisation and Europe. for-the-islamist-militant-
Political Violence movement-in-europe
(ICSR)

Organisation Addressing grievances An assessment of community-policing http://www.osce.org/

for Security and and instability. approaches to prevent terrorism and atu/111438?download=true
Co‑operation (OSCE) counter violent extremism.

Norwegian Ministry Addressing grievances A Norwegian action plan to prevent https://www.regjeringen.

of Justice and the and instability. violent extremism by tackling no/globalassets/upload/JD/
Police underlying grievances and social Vedlegg/Handlingsplaner/
instability. Radikalisering_engelsk.pdf

Khudi Addressing grievances A Pakistani social movement that https://www.insightonconflict.

and instability promotes a democratic culture to org/conflicts/pakistan/
counter terrorism. peacebuilding-organisations/
khudi

John Horgan and Disengagement, An assessment of the effectiveness https://www.start.

Kurt Braddock deradicalisation, of current de-radicalisation and umd.edu/sites/default/
rehabilitation and rehabilitation programmes. files/publications/
reintegration local_attachments/
De-radicalization%20
Programs%20Final%20Report.
pdf

The City of Aarhus Disengagement, A Danish approach to deradicalising https://www.aarhus.dk/

deradicaliation, and reintegrating returning fighters sitecore/content/Subsites/
rehabilitation and Antiradikaliseringsindsats/
reintegration. Home.aspx?sc_lang=en

EXIT Germany Disengagement, A German deradicalisation, http://www.exit-deutschland.

deradicalisation, disengagement and reintegration de/ ausstieg/?c=datenschutz
rehabilitation and programme.
reintegration.

UNESCO Social innovation and Innovative youth-centric initiatives to http://en.unesco.org/news/

entrepreneurship. challenge extremism and promote empowering-youth-build-peace
digital literacy.
40

NAME AREA DESCRIPTION LINK

EdVenture Partners Social innovation and Innovative peer-to-peer approaches to www.edventurepartners.com

entrepreneurship. challenging violent extremism.

Zoomaal Social innovation and Crowdsourcing projects to ‘make http://www.zoomaal.com/

entrepreneurship. Lebanon a better place’. projects/a-better-lebanon-
crowdsourcing-ideas-to-
make-lebanon-a-better-
place1?ref=82296413

The Global social Innovation and Innovative, cross-sectoral approaches http://www.p3.co/

Partnership Week entrepreneurship. to counter violent extremism. blog/2016/3/11/innovative-
cross-sector-approaches-in-
countering-violent-extremism

Institute for Social innovation and An initiative by Youth Innovation http://www.strategicdialogue.

Strategic Dialogue entrepreneurship. Labs to prevent and counter violent org/wp-content/
(ISD) extremism. uploads/2016/07/ YouthCAN-
Labs.pdf

International Youth Social innovation and A youth-firm that counters violent http://iyaat.org/wp-content/
Action Against entrepreneurship. extremism in East Africa. uploads/2016/02/CVE-Youth-
Terrorism Firm-Phase-1.pdf
 41

With thanks for the support of

42

Violent extremism has become both a global and

generational struggle. More than half the world’s
population is under the age of 30 and violent
extremism affects a disproportionately high number
amongst them. Despite their large demographic,
young peoples’ voices often go unheard.
The Kofi Annan Foundation believes young
people are uniquely placed to make an invaluable
contribution to counter-extremism efforts within
their communities as role models, teachers, family
members, friends, mentors, colleagues and partners.
The Kofi Annan Foundation’s Extremely Together
initiative has convened ten young leaders with
diverse experience in countering and preventing
violent extremism to join forces against this threat.
Extremely Together aims to equip young people in
communities around the world with tools, methods,
and inspiration to turn the tide in the fight against
extremism.